Palermo is famous not only for its artistic heritage, but also for its outstanding pastries, whose flavours often reveal the influence of the Middle East and the many cultures that have shaped Sicily.

Those who love desserts more than anything else should definitely try these five Sicilian specialities that are not to be missed.

1. The Sicilian “Cannolo”

The “cannolo” is one of the ultimate symbols of Sicilian pastry. There are several variants, but the classic version consists of a crisp, fried pastry shell filled with sweet sheep’s milk ricotta and often finished with chopped pistachios.

Its origins are debated, but one popular theory traces the cannolo back to Sicily’s period under Arab rule, between the 9th and 11th centuries. According to tradition, an early version was prepared by women in Caltanissetta, possibly within the harems of local emirs, combining ricotta with ingredients such as almonds and honey. Following the end of Arab rule, the recipe is believed to have been preserved and developed in convents, eventually becoming the Sicilian classic known today.

Cannoli can be found in pastry shops throughout Palermo, but for the best experience, look for those that are filled with ricotta only when ordered, keeping the shell perfectly crisp.

2. The “Minne di Vergine” or Saint Agatha’s tits 

The shape of this dessert resembles a small breast. Traditionally made from sponge cake, ricotta and marzipan or icing, different versions can include chocolate chips, candied fruit and a bright red candied cherry on top.

The breast-shaped pastries are closely associated with Saint Agatha, the patron saint of Catania, whose martyrdom has made them one of Sicily’s most distinctive religious sweets. According to Christian tradition, the young Agatha was tortured after refusing the advances of a Roman prefect and had her breasts cut off. The pastries subsequently became associated with the saint and are particularly prominent during celebrations surrounding her feast day in February.

Small, rich and unmistakably Sicilian, they make an ideal sweet break during a day of sightseeing.

3. The “Trionfo di gola” (Triumph of gluttony)

The name says it all: this elaborate Sicilian dessert is an unapologetic celebration of sweetness.

Recipes vary, but the Trionfo di gola typically combines layers of sponge cake, ricotta cream, custard, marzipan, jam, pistachios and candied fruit. The result is colourful, extravagant and intensely rich, bringing together many of the ingredients that define traditional Sicilian pastry-making.

The “Trionfo di gola” is a complex dessert that takes time and skill to make. It is closely associated with Sicily’s historic convents and aristocratic culinary tradition, when elaborate desserts were prepared for wealthy families and special occasions.

It may not be the lightest option on the menu, but that is precisely the point.

4. The “Genovesi”

Genoa or Palermo? The name of this dessert might suggest a Ligurian origin, but the genovese is firmly rooted in western Sicily. This simple but delicious pastry consists of a shortcrust shell traditionally filled with custard or ricotta and baked until golden.

The pastry is particularly associated with the hilltop town of Erice, near Trapani, where it has become one of the area’s best-known specialities. Several theories attempt to explain its curious name, including one linking its shape to the hats once worn by Genoese sailors who traded along Sicily’s western coast.

Whatever the origin of the name, eaten warm with a dusting of icing sugar, the genovese is one of Sicily’s simplest pleasures.

5. The Sicilian “Cassata”

Together with the “cannolo”, cassata is one of the undisputed icons of Sicilian pastry. Its origins are generally linked to Sicily’s period under Arab rule, when ingredients such as sugar cane, citrus fruits and almonds became increasingly important in the island’s cuisine. An early version is thought to have combined sweetened sheep’s milk ricotta with pastry or dough.

Over the centuries, the dessert continued to evolve. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Palermo’s pastry-making tradition had transformed cassata into the colourful creation recognisable today, combining sponge cake, sweetened ricotta, marzipan, icing and elaborate decorations of candied fruit.

The result is one of Sicily’s most spectacular desserts: colourful, intensely sweet and almost too beautiful to cut.

And there is one particularly atmospheric place in Palermo where visitors can discover several of these traditional flavours: the Monastery of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, right in the historic centre.

Its former convent houses I Segreti del Chiostro, a pastry shop dedicated to preserving Sicily’s historic confectionery traditions. Cannoli, cassata and other traditional sweets are prepared following recipes associated with the island’s convents, offering visitors the chance to taste a centuries-old side of Sicilian culture.

Between its cloisters, churches, bustling streets and irresistible pastries, Palermo is a destination where discovering the city’s history can be as simple as ordering dessert.

L’article 5 sweet reasons to visit Palermo est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. Roast turkey 

The real star of the day: Roast turkey. This main dish cannot miss on Thanksgiving Day as no traditional dinner would be complete without it! Turkeys are normally baked or roasted in the oven and then filled with stuffing to give it more flavor. Traditional simple stuffing can include onions, celery, parsley, rosemary, sage, butter, broth, and bread. Once baked, the turkey is served on a large plate that dominates the scene.

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2. Gravy

What is turkey without gravy? Gravy is a brown sauce that is made from the turkey’s brown and fat scrapings from the bottom of the roasting pan. The recipe is very simple: pan drippings, broth, flour, butter or oil, black pepper, salt and, if you wish, herbs. The gravy can be poured on the turkey and on mashed potatoes to make the food juicier and tastier.

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3. Marshmallow sweet potatoes

This side dish is insanely sweet! It consists of sweet potatoes served on a casserole and covered with marshmallows. The potatoes are usually boiled or sometimes roasted, then mashed and mixed with brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Then, the casserole is topped with marshmallows that are candied until they get a golden shade.

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4. Macaroni and cheese

Another dish that cannot miss is macaroni and cheese. It is a side dish made of macaroni pasta mixed with a very very cheesy sauce, most commonly made of cheddar, whole milk and cream cheese. In the US there’s plenty of Mac ‘n’ Cheese box varieties, but preparing it from scratch is with no doubt a healthier choice.

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Публикация от Mac N' Cheeeeese (@macncheeeeese)

5. Mashed potatoes

This velvety smooth side dish is perfect to accompany the turkey. It can be savoured with gravy or melted butter and seasoned with chives.

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6. Glazed baked ham

Ham is another popular main dish for Thanksgiving but also other holidays. In the US, most hams are sold already pre-cooked, so it just needs to be heated up in the oven and glazed until gold. The glaze can be made either of brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup and enriched with apple cider and Dijon mustard.

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7. Green bean casserole

There are many different recipes for this one out there. But almost all of them include green beans (fresh, frozen or canned), cream of mushroom soup, fried onions, and black pepper. The original recipe was created by Campbell Test Kitchen Manager Dorcas Reilly in 1955. This is why the cream of mushroom soup used for the casserole is normally the canned one from Campbell’s food company.

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8. Bread rolls

Bread rolls are made with only a few simple ingredients: yeast, water, sugar, butter, milk, flour, and salt. Despite the simplicity of the recipe, these fluffy buttery rolls will melt in your mouth!

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9. Cranberry sauce

The cranberry sauce is typically used as a condiment for the main dishes. It is a sweet and sour sauce which can be made from fresh or frozen cranberries. The basic recipe consists of cranberries boiled in water with sugar. Other recipes add also cinnamon, orange juice or orange zest.

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10. Pumpkin pie

A Thanksgiving classic and the sweet end of the meal, the pumpkin pie is a pie with a spiced, pumpkin-based custard filling. The main ingredients are obviously pumpkin, eggs, heavy cream, cornstarch, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. It is normally served with whipped cream.

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Thanksgiving is ultimately about more than the dishes on the table. It is a moment to gather, share time with loved ones and appreciate the year’s blessings. Whether the meal is traditional or modern, the spirit of gratitude remains at the heart of the celebration.

L’article Thanksgiving Day: What’s on the menu? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. Acciughe alla ligure

“Acciughe alla ligure” literally means Ligurian-style anchovies. This dish can be prepared in different ways, but the classic version is the one with marinated anchovies. This is a very simple and poor dish made with only a few ingredients: oil, vinegar, lemon, garlic, salt, pepper, basil, and, of course, fresh anchovies. The only difficult part of the recipe? Cleaning the anchovies by hand, making sure to take out the tiny fishbones! In other variants, the anchovies can also be fried or stuffed. But in any case, they are perfect to be eaten as an appetizer or during an Italian aperitivo.

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Публикация от Renata Briano (@la_nostra_politica_in_cucina)

2. Trenette and trofie al pesto 

Trenette and trofie are two typical types of pasta from the Liguria Region. Trenette are a long type of pasta, similar to the famous linguine, while trofie are shorter and characterized by a twisted shape. But what makes this dish absolutely tasty is the pesto sauce! The original recipe is made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino cheese, garlic, salt, and olive oil. Yummy!

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Публикация от South Florida Food Blogger and Content Creator (@thesoflasage)

3. Torta Monterossina

“Torta Monterossina” is a typical cake from Monterosso. This dessert includes a layer of shortbread and a second layer of sponge cake, but what makes it unique is the filling: pastry cream, apricot jam and chocolate sauce all together. Make sure to try it when it’s still warm!

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Публикация от Iᴛᴀʟɪᴀ ᴘᴇʀ ᴠᴏɪ | ᴄᴀsᴀ ᴇᴅɪᴛʀɪᴄᴇ – La Spezia (@italia_per_voi)

4. Focaccia ligure

Focaccia is a salty kind of flatbread characterized by a golden color. It is normally not higher than 2 cm, and its surface is sprinkled with grains of salt and a generous amount of extra-virgin olive oil. It can be eaten as it is or stuffed with prosciutto, cheese, pesto, and much more.

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Публикация от 𝑰𝒍 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒐 𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂 𝑭𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒊𝒂 (@ilmassimodellafocaccia_)

5. Farinata

“Farinata” is a salty thin pancake made of chickpea flour, salt, water, and extra-virgin olive oil. It was invented in Genoa, but it’s now prepared in the entire Liguria Region, as well as in Tuscany, where it is called “Cecina” instead.

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Публикация от Il Club delle Ricette (@ilclubdellericette)

6. Torta di riso di Monterosso

“Torta di riso” is a savory rice cake made with eggs, flour, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce, mushrooms, and, obviously, rice. The cake is prepared every year on the occasion of the feast of St Mary of Soviore, which takes place in Monterosso on 14 August.

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7. Sciacchetrà wine

The Sciacchetrà is a sweet wine produced in the hills of the Cinque Terre area. In 1973, the wine obtained the DOC (Controlled Denomination of Origin) certification, confirming its high quality and its bond with the territory. The Sciacchetrà is normally paired with desserts, such as the “canestrelli”: little ligurian bisquits prepared with butter, flour, potato starch, lemon zest, vanilla, egg yolk, and powdered sugar.

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Публикация от Bruno Brianezi • @VinhoNosso (@vinhonosso)

8. Limoncino ligure

Limoncino is a lemon liquor made only with lemon zest, alcohol, and sugar. The lemon zests have to be infused in the alcohol for about 20-30 days in a dry and cool place.

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Публикация от pasticceria La Genuina (@la_genuina_pasticceria)

L’article What to eat and drink in Cinque Terre est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Buddha statues started to appear in China during the Eastern Han period. During that time, Buddhism was introduced to China and Buddhist arts flourished all over the country. 

In 1979, the monks of the Po Lin Monastery visited mainland China and got inspired by the many different sculptures they saw. In particular, their attention was caught by the Tian Tan Altar of Heaven, situated in Beijing. When they went back to Hong Kong, they decided to build their own Buddha statue right next to their monastery and to name it after the Altar of Heaven they had visited.

After 12 years of work, the statue was finally completed in 1993. It is 34 meters tall and it weights 250 tons. The Buddha faces the north, overlooking the Chinese people. The entire sculpture is characterized by soft flowing lines, which transmit peace and tranquility to the viewer.

To shape the face, the monks were inspired by the Buddha Vairocana of the Longmen Caves, while the statue’s clothes were modeled after the Buddha Sakyamuni in the cave 360 of the Dunhuang Grottoes. 

Tian Tan Buddha symbolises the harmonious relationship between the human beings and mother nature. 

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1. How to reach the Buddha

To get to Tian Tan Buddha, you’ll have to take the “Ngong Ping 360” cable car. Tip: if you want to live a unique experience, opt for the glass-bottomed crystal cabin! 

The drive is amazing! From the cable car you’ll enjoy a 360 degrees panoramic view, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, completed in 2018.

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After around 20 minutes ride, you’ll be in Lantau. But once you arrive on the island, you’ll have to put some effort and climb 268 steps in order to reach the statue. No worries… the climb is worth the visit! Indeed, once you reach the statue, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Po Lin Monastery, the Chinese sea, and the mountains. And, most importantly, you’ll be able to spot all the details of the giant Buddha statue.

2. Po Lin Monastery

The Po Lin (literally means “pure lotus”) Monastery is the largest Buddhist temple in Hong Kong, located right in front of Tian Tan Buddha. 

Its construction began in 1906 thanks to three Chinese monks who decided to build a site on Lantau island to practice their religion. Throughout the years, the monastery gained more and more members and it is now a worldwide famous Buddhist venue. It is particularly renowned for its sculptural art and architectural structures, which feature a mix of techniques from both the north and the south of China. 

The Monastery has even a vegetarian restaurant open to visitors, which offers typical healthy dishes prepared with natural ingredients.

L’article Why you should visit Hong Kong’s Big Buddha est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. Have breakfast at Jeaninne’s Bakery

Jeaninne’s Bakery is a family-owned stylish bakery and café where you can enjoy amazing pastries and nutritious dishes. All their food is made of natural wholesome ingredients. The bakery has four locations in Santa Barbara (downtown, Montecito, uptown, and Goleta); all of them are beautiful, but the most suggestive ones are in downtown or in Montecito.

Try their Classic Eggs Benedict served on an English muffin, and their homemade Jeannine’s Own Granola served with mixed berries and yogurt.

• Downtown: 15 E. Figueroa St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
• Montecito: 1253 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, CA 93108
• Uptown: 3607 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
• Goleta: 7060 Hollister Ave, Suite 105, Goleta, CA 93117

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Публикация от Jasmin SoCal Food & Lifestyle (@eatswithjas)

2. Relax at the beach

In Santa Barbara there are plenty of beautiful sandy beaches from which you can choose. If you love surfing or paddling, opt for Leadbetter Beach. If you’re looking for a chic location to sunbathe or swim, go to Butterfly Beach. This beach is located in Montecito – the Santa Barbara’s luxury neighborhood – and is the perfect place to watch the sunset and the sunrise. If your pet is traveling with you, go to Arroyo Burro Beach. Arroyo Burro, also called Henry’s Beach by the locals, is a dog-friendly beach located off of Cliff Drive. It is the only beach in Santa Barbara were dogs are allowed off leash. If you want to stay close to downtown, go to East Beach, situated east from Santa Barbara’s wharf.

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Публикация от Visit Santa Barbara (@visitsantabarbara)

3. Taste a glass of California wine 

Thanks to its particular climate and variety of soils, Santa Barbara’s territory has perfect grape-growing conditions. This is why the city boasts some fine world-class wines that you definitely have to try. Throughout the city, you’ll find dozens of tasting rooms and wineries with limitless options: From Burgundian grapes, to Rhone grapes, to Bordeaux heavyweights.

As you probably won’t have enough time to go too far from the city center, go to the Grassini Family Vineyards Tasting Room. This award-winning tasting room is located in the heart of downtown and is run by a family with Italian origins. There, you will enjoy 100% estate-grown wines in a wonderful patio soaked in the sun.

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Публикация от Grassini Family Vineyards (@grassinifamilyvineyards)

4. Go shopping on State Street 

State street is a pedestrian friendly downtown with a great diversity of shopping and dining options. From chic boutiques, to national and international brands, from American street food to fine Italian restaurants… There’s something for everybody on Santa Barbara’s State Street. 

Visit “Paseo Nuevo”, an outdoor shopping center with more than 50 stores, terraces, courts, and paseos.  Stop also by “La Arcada Plaza”, which features the best collection of locally owned shops, restaurants, and galleries in an elegant garden setting with sculptures and a fountain.

If you’re a little hungry, grab an ice cream at McConnel’s Fine Ice Cream (their cookies & cream flavor is amazing!) or, for a healthier option, try a smoothie at Blenders In The Grass.

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Публикация от Visit Santa Barbara (@visitsantabarbara)

5. Have dinner on Santa Barbara’s Stearns Wharf

You can’t leave Santa Barbara if you haven’t seen its harbor and Stearns Wharf, the oldest working pier of California. Dinner time is the perfect moment to head down to the wharf and taste some fresh local sea food with an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. Stop by the Shellfish Company, located right on Santa Barbara’s pier and order the crab and the clam chowder.

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Публикация от SB Shellfish Co. (@sbshellfishco)

6. Watch a performance at the Granada Theatre

Built in 1924, The Granada Theatre is a historic landmark located in the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara. It is a premier live performing arts venue for regional and national touring productions that highlights the importance of performing arts for Santa Barbara’s community. The Granada Theatre presents not only live shows, but also films in its 4K HD resolution cinema system.

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Публикация от The Granada Theatre (@granadasb)

7. Sleep at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara Resort 

This luxury resort covers an area of 78 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There, you will enjoy two beaches, three pools and a spa in a unique coastal landscape. The resort offers numerous activities such as golf, tennis and horseback riding.

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Публикация от Addie | Luxury Travel Planner (@jetsetandtravel)

L’article 7 things to do in Santa Barbara est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. Manneken Pis

The Manneken Pis (literally “little pissing man” in Dutch) is a bronze fountain statue built in the 17^th century. The tiny (only 61 cm!) statue, which is protected by an iron fence, depicts a boy while peeing in a basin.

There are different stories and legends trying to explain why this statue was erected, all of them quite funny. According to one legend, the statue is a gift to locals from a tourist who lost his little son in Brussels and later found him thanks to the help from villagers. The legend tells that the statue was placed in the corner where the boy was found. Another story tells that the boy was a spy who attempted to bomb the city by urinating on the explosives! A third tale tells that a boy prevented the city to be destroyed by a fire by peeing on a burning fuse before it exploded. To manifest their gratitude, the locals made a statue in his likeness.

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Публикация от visit brussels (@visitbrussels)

And what’s even funnier: the Manneken Pis has a special outfit for every occasion. The tradition to dress him up in costumes for special occasions dates back to at least the 18^th century. He has been dressed up as Santa Claus, or with national costumes from different countries.

2. Jeanneke Pis

Many centuries later the Manneken Pis was erected, his female counterpart joined him in the city. Jeanneke-Pis is a fountain statue that depicts a little girl with her hair in pigtails while peeing on a rock. Jeanneke is located in a small and narrow alley close to the famous Delirium Café and not too far from the Grand Place. 

The statue was commissioned by Denis-Adrien Debouvrie in 1985 and later built in 1987. However, her erection generated some rumors around Debouvrie. The millionaire man, also known as the Godfather of the city center, was the owner of many nearby restaurants. Some people thought that locating Jeanneke in the narrow street was an attempt to attract more tourists in that area.

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Публикация от Paulinha – Wanderlust (@viajandocompaulinhaa)

The half-meter-high statue is quite difficult to spot if you don’t know where to look. Indeed, the statue is surrounded by a red fence and the alley is often packed with people drinking beer who stand right in front of it. If you manage to find it, throw a coin into the fountain: each penny will support medical research against cancer.

3. Zinneke

Finally, to complete the family, there is Zinneke, the dog version of the peeing statues. The statue depicts a small dog lifting a leg on a pole to pee. Zinneke is the newest of the trio: it was erected in 1998 and located in the city center, next to the Halles Saint Gery. It is the only statue of the trio that is not a fountain, but also the only one free of any fences. 

If you really want to see him, keep your eyes open… Zinneke is even harder to find than Jeanneke!

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Публикация от Giuseppe Topputo (@gtopper89)

The name “Zinneke” has a long history. First of all, let’s clarify that in the past, the river Senne flew in many areas of Brussels. An artificial arm of the river was called “little Senne”, or “Zenneke” in Flemish. Throughout the years, the word modified from Zenneke to Zinneke. Back in the 19^th century, the city was full of cats and dogs scampering around its streets. To get rid of them, they were drowned in the Zinneke – the Little Senne – and so these animals started to be called “Zinnekes”. Today, the term also refers to the inhabitants of Brussels that are not originally from there, and to the cosmopolitan atmosphere that characterizes the city. 

L’article Discovering 3 Brussels’ peeing statues est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

If you want to impress your beloved one on this romantic day, here’s how to say ‘I love you’ in the 24 official EU languages:

1. Bulgarian: Obicham te.
2. Croatian: Volim te.
3. Czech: miluji tě.
4. Danish:  Jeg Elsker Dig
5. Dutch: Ik hou van jou.
6. English: I love you.
7. Estonian: Ma armastan sind.
8. Finnish: Minä rakastan sinua.
9. French: Je t’aime.
10. German: Ich liebe dich.
11. Greek: Σε αγαπώ, pronounced “Se agapó̱.”
12. Hungarian: Szeretlek.
13. Irish: Gráim thú (graw-im hoo).
14. Italian: Ti amo.
15. Latvian: Es tevi milu.
16. Lithuanian: Tave myliu.
17. Maltese: Jien inhobbok.
18. Polish: kocham ciebe.
19. Portuguese: Eu amo-te.
20. Romanian: Te lubesc.
21. Slovak:  ľúbim ťa.
22. Slovenian: ljubim te.
23. Spanish: in Castellano (commonly referred as Spanish): Te amo. In Basque: Maite zaitut. In Catalan: T’estimo.
24. Swedish: Jag alskar dig.

L’article How to say ‘I love you’ in the 24 official EU languages est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. Ghent Festival

Every July, the city of Ghent organizes a large-scale urban festival all over the town. This cultural festival lasts for 10 days and includes cost-free concerts on Ghent’s squares, animation for children, indoor and outdoor activities, fairs, parades, performances of national and international artists and much more!

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2. Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland is the largest electronic music event and the most well-known festival in Belgium. This is why getting the tickets can be quite challenging… Tomorrowland takes place in Boom, a town situated thirty minutes from Brussels. The festival features top international DJs and numerous international artists.

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3. The Battle of Waterloo Re-enactment

The historic Battle of Waterloo, which took place in June 1815, is commemorated each June in the field of Waterloo where the conflict took place. During the battle re-enactment, thousands of actors fill the battlefield to honor the victory of the Duke of Wellington over the course of a weekend. 

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4. Brussels Flower Carpet

The Brussels Flower Carpet is organized every two years in August, in the Grand Place of Belgium’s capital. During these days, the square is filled with more than half a million colorful begonias that are assembled in a flower carpet measuring 70m long and 24m wide.

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5. Rock Werchter

Rock Werchter is one of the greates events in Belgium featuring many talented Belgian rock artists. The festival was organized for the first time in 1974. Many worldwide famous artists have performed here, such as U2, Muse, Eurythmics, Ramstein, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Metallica.

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6. Carnival of Binche

Each year, the small Walloon town of Binche organizes a three-day Carnaval (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday). During these days, Binche returns back to the 16th century. In 2003, the carnival has been recognized by UNESCO as an ‘Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.’

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7. Salon Du Chocolat Brussels

Salon Du Chocolat Brussels is the best Belgium chocolate festival. Here it is possible to find some of the finest high-quality chocolates of the world. During the festival participants can attend an interactive session with chocolate makers. But the best attraction is made of dozens of food booths selling chocolate pralines and treats.

8. Ghent Light Festival

The Ghent light festival is celebrated every three years and is completely free. During the event, several performances are showcased by professional light artists from all around the world. Ghent looks amazing during this festival and offers breathtaking views of its picturesque streets and canals.

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9. Brussels Animation Film Festival

The Brussels Animation Film Festival, also called Anima Festival, is organized yearly during February. The festival aims to encourage the production of computer-generated films and clips. It is the only festival of its kind in Belgium and one of the most important in Europe. During this event, numerous short and long animated movies are presented and premiered.

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L’article 9 amazing festivals in Belgium est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. Portuguese origin

The origin of this colorful and vibrant festival is linked to the Portuguese colonists, who brought this tradition to Brazil probably inspired by the so-called Entrudo, a Portuguese festival. Gradually over time, the influence of African cultures brought to Brazil new music and dancing. The blend between Portuguese and African cultures created what is today the world’s largest and most famous Carnival. 

2. Religious roots

Although the carnival is normally associated with crazy parties, colorful parades, and drinks, it has religious roots. It ironically derives from a Catholic custom as a celebration before the beginning of the Lent.

3. First carnival dates back to 1723

The first Carnival recorded in Rio dates back to 1723; however, only in 1920 Samba schools were established in the city and Samba became an integral part of the parades. Samba schools are established among neighborhoods, which collaborate and practice together the choreography they want to perform during the Carnival.

4. Samba parades

The Samba parades are not only the main feature of Rio’s Carnival, but also one of the most popular tourist attractions of the country. Many different Samba schools of the city train the entire year for the Carnival’s parade. The colorful parades lasts four nights, and in the end, one of the Samba schools that participates in the competition is designated as the winner by a panel of judges.

5. Sambodrome

The city’s top Samba schools compete at the Sambodrome Marquês de Sapucaí, a stadium specifically designed to host the Samba competitions during the Carnival. The Sambodrome was designed and built in 1984 by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, one of the most renowned architects of the 20^th century.

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6. King Momo

King Momo is a mythical creature who kicks off Rio’s Carnival. The figure of King Momo derives from the Greek mythology and is associated to mockery and satire, two typical aspects of every Carnival. In Rio’s Carnival, King Momo is normally played by a well-known person with a large physical stature. Regardless of its origins and appearance, what’s important is that the party does not start until King Momo decides so!

7. Carnival Queen

If the Carnival has a king, it must have a queen too! Each year, a Carnival Queen is selected. The queen is recognized for her beauty and, most importantly, for her superior Samba dancing skills. A large number of women compete for this role, who reins over wild parties.

8. “Blocos”

Besides the huge Samba parades, the Carnival is also characterized by smaller street parties called “blocos.” Blocos are moving vans with music and crawls of people encouraging partygoers to enjoy the music, dance, and socialize. There are more than 580 blocos held in the entire city from mid-January to mid-February. The most important one is called “Cordão Da Bola Preta,” and it takes places in the city center on Saturday.

9. TV coverage by Rede Globo

Each year, the entire TV coverage of the Carnival is streamed on the dominant “Rede Globo” (globe network), a Brazilian free-to-air television network headquartered in Rio de Janeiro. Rede Globo is the largest commercial TV network in Latin America.

10. The winner takes it all

Last year, the winner Samba school was Viradouro. The school won its second title in history with the theme “Viradouro de Alma Lavada,” which played homage to the black washerwomen of Lagoa do Abaeté, in Salvador.

L’article 10 interesting facts about Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Still today, Lake Como continues to attract members of the international jet-set and celebrities that appreciate the evocative beauty of the Lake and its surroundings. 

1. The lake area

Lake Como – also known as Lake Lario – is the third biggest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. It is located in Lombardy, between the municipalities of Lecco and Como, and only 80 km away from the crowded city of Milan. The lake shore has a total of 150 km of pure beauty and breathtaking landscapes. From its shores it is possible to enjoy panoramic views, including wonderful villas, charming villages, and luxuriant gardens.

The main town is Como, the place after which the lake was named. Continuing northwards, there are Cernobbio and Ossuccio. This village is famous for the Comacina Island – the only island of the Lake – and for the so-called “Sacro Monte di Ossuccio” (literally Sacred Mount of Ossuccio), which is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Moving along the shore, there is Tremezzo, which hosts the famous Villa Carlotta with its splendid terraced gardens. A stop to Bellagio is mandatory. The town is located right where the Lake’s three arms meet, and it is known as the “Pearl of Lake Como” due to its beauty. Bellagio hosts elegant historic villas, including Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi. Moving South, there is Lecco with its Villa Manzoni. In the North, it is worth a visit to Varenna, Bellano and Colico.

Lake Como has a lot to offer. It is the perfect destination to immerge yourself in the nature, to visit stunning villas, museums and cultural venues, to relax on a boat, or to walk around the numerous picturesque streets of the villages surrounding the lake. And, if you are lucky, to spot some celebrities as well! Here are some famous personalities who fell in love with this place.

2. The Clooney effect

George Clooney fell in love with this area back in 2001, when he purchased an eighteen-century villa for 10 million euros. The villa, which is named Villa Oleandra, is located in the small community of Laglio, on the western side of Lake Como. In 2004, Clooney decided to buy a second villa in art nouveau style. The mansion is named Villa Margherita and is located in close proximity to Villa Oleandra. 

Since Clooney’s arrival, the little town became full of paparazzi, fans and curious people eager to see the actor and his numerous Hollywood guests, including Cindy Crawford, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas, and even the former President of the US Barack Obama. To respect the privacy of the actor and his guests, the city mayor approved a regulation forbidding people to gather outside the villas.

George Clooney, who normally stays at the villa up to four months a year, can be seen when in his residence, riding his motorcycle around the lake, on his boats, or while visiting local towns and restaurants around the lake. His favorite one is believed to be the restaurant “Il Gatto Nero”. Located in Cernobbio, the elegant restaurant offers a spectacular view and a fresh fish menu.

3. Robert Pattinson

Even the British actor Robert Pattinson, the vampire of Twilight, was similarly astonished by the beauty of this area. He owns an 800-square-meter villa with two floors and a basement, and a 1,200-square-meter garden with a swimming pool and tennis courts. The villa is located in Menaggio, only 17 km away from Clooney’s villas and has a cost of 5 million euros. Of course, the villa has an amazing lake view.

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The reason why he purchased a mansion there? Because of the peace and quiet atmosphere, far away from Hollywood lights and his crazy fans.

4. Other celebrities

Apart from celebrities that own a villa on Lake Como, many other famous people decide to spend their vacations in some of the most beautiful hotels of the area. For instance, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a Belle Époque palace with a swimming pool inside the lake, located not far away from Laglio. Each summer, the hotel hosts many celebrities, including Jon Bon Jovi, who is also a regular customer of the restaurant “Bilacus”, in Bellagio. 

L’article Why Italy’s Lake Como is such a hit with celebrities  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.